John Miraldi wins primary, could replace Judge Zaleski

ELYRIA — Lorain attorney John Miraldi’s victory Tuesday in the Democratic primary over Chris Cook virtually assures he will replace retiring Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Edward Zaleski next year.

No Republican or independent has filed to run in the race, leaving Miraldi unopposed in the November general election.

According to unofficial returns from the Lorain County Board of Elections, Miraldi took 51.6 percent of the vote with a total of 12,077 votes cast in his favor. Cook had 11,316 votes or 48.4 percent of the vote.

Miraldi, who practices civil law, said he plans to shut down his law practice in September to prepare to take the bench.

“I want to take some time to get acquainted with the procedures and be ready to go after I take office,” he said.

Both Miraldi and Cook have said the campaign was a civil one.

“I congratulate Mr. Cook,” Miraldi said. “I think he ran a solid campaign and I wish him the best of luck.”

Cook, a Lorain attorney and magistrate in Lorain Municipal Court, said then results weren’t what he’d hoped they would be.

“I’m disappointed, but I’m doing well and I congratulate Mr. Miraldi,” he said. “Unfortunately we ran against a very qualified and respected candidate who just edged us out.”

Miraldi will become the second member of his family to serve as a county Common Pleas Court judge. His cousin, Judge James Miraldi, also won his own primary on Tuesday, although he was unopposed. The current Judge Miraldi also has no opposition in the fall.

Also unopposed in their respective primaries and in the fall are current judges James Burge and Raymond Ewers.